A big congratulations to Councillor Paulette Hamilton on being selected last night to stand for Council on May 7th, on the re-run on the previous flawed process.

There was a mass turnout at Rookery Road School in Handsworth, where one could not help but notice the blatant disrespect being shown to her by fellow Councillors who did not hide their support for the opponent.

This does highlight the fact that Labour has alot of work to do in dealing with these internal issues that exist, maybe 2017 will be a pivotal time in the political history of Birmingham to use a broom and clean up its act once and for all.

It was noted that the Labour Party themselves took control of the process as opposed to the actual local party, which was tightly ran and the result was 51 to 42 in favour of Councillor Hamilton.

A great thanks to those that turned out to support Paulette although we could not be allowed into the meeting for obvious reasons, however, it proves that Justice can be served by using their own system whilst we ensure that the playing field is level.

The moral of this story is simple, stand up and fight for what our rights are and use the system wisely, as Paulette did in this case, as no-one can take her victory away from her as she fought a battle with honour, integrity and belief.

Once again congratulations to Paulette a true inspiration, you never gave up and its now yours.

After 7 months of waiting and following pressure from the press and direct emails last week Monday and Tuesday 16th & 17th February respectively, Rev. Moses Whyte from Walsall they we were helping received his Daughter’s; Amina’s renewed passport.Although happy at this factor, he did not even receive a note explaining the delay or even to say sorry despite the fact that his daughter had missed the opportunity to attend two family funerals and two educational trips abroad.It will be interesting to see what how the Home Secretary responds formally to our letter, however, why did this family go through this fiasco is the big issue?Is there still an issue at the UK Passport Agency?Why this family had to go to such a great extent of providing pressure in order to renew their daughter’s passport?It great to get a result, however, as an activist I am baffled at time as to why people have to go through these experiences, for something which seems to be so such a simple process.Please let us know if you are experiencing such as problem.Desmond Jaddoo25th February 2015

Many of us mistakenly placed faith in the fact that the Labour Party would do the right thing by Paulette Hamilton and the situation in Handsworth Wood Birmingham, surrounding her previous deselection in questionable circumstances.

It does appear to me that there is no more loyalty to the traditional and historic support that the Labour Party has been given over the years by the African & Caribbean Community.It is common knowledge that Paulette has been a victim of a witch hunt over many years in Handsworth Wood and nothing has been done to eliminate the problems that she has faced.This has now been compounded by the fact that instead of ending this fiasco, it has been brought to my attention that Councillor Hamilton is to stand yet again for selection on Tuesday 24th February 2015 , whilst in stark comparison two other sitting Councillors in Lozells & Handsworth East and Springfield respectively have been imposed by the Labour National Executive.What message does this send out to our Community? Clearly, Labour does not care and there is likelihood that the Council chamber may have one less African/Caribbean Councillor, in May. We are also reminded of the recent comments and concerns raised by David Lammy, in the Independent Newspaper.This is not good enough and there is already tension in our local community, we are also reminded that it is 30 years since the riots in Lozells which were very serious, owing to the oppression faced by the black community and with all of the issues which are being currently thrown at us, it would appear that this would be the final insult to us, should Paulette be deselected. It is widely believed that there has been an alleged conspiracy, which I understand the other two candidates who were imposed were of a similar opinion in their respective wards. Therefore, what is different about Paulette's case? I think the answer is crystal clear.Therefore, should Labour refuses to do the right thing between now and Tuesday as they have apparently done in Lozells and Handsworth East, also Springfield then the would have in my view shown their clear commitment to the African & Caribbean Community, which I am encouraging not only to register to vote and but ensure that it used it accordingly on May 7th to send a clear message to those that take our votes for granted.Desmond Jaddoo21st February 2015

Carl Chinn's article in the Birmingham Mail focusing on the 1960's BBC play 'Cathy Come Home' was a true example of how homelessness affected families during that time, owing to under investment in social housing.

The saddest part was to see the total break down and then ripping apart of a family by the system that was not willing to assist.

My background is housing and I do have a fear that Birmingham is already in crisis when it comes to social housing as there is no clear defined role by Birmingham City Council to address the ever increasing issue of Homelessness, Provision and Housing Management.

The number of people sleeping rough is increasing in addition to the number of families and communities squatting in derelict building and unoccupied houses is ever increasing in the inner city areas, which is of course reminiscent of the slum era in Birmingham that Carl Chinn refers too.

With the mass demolition of Birmingham's High Rise estates,coupled with the slow replenishment of housing stock, there is no direction when it comes to Housing provision in the City, which is compounded by the homeless mobility policies of especially the London Boroughs.

We have further seen the condition which has been publicised, of some of the hostel and houses in multiple occupation, which whilst making landlords plenty of money, the conditions leave alot to be desired.

This article is timely by Carl Chinn with the Local and General Election looming, as the whole issue of all strands of Housing needs direction which can only be provided by a Cabinet Member for Housing in Birmingham, for which I was told was an old fashioned way of working by the City Leadership.

However, if not tackled effectively the housing crisis may well return to families facing the issues highlighted in this play.

As many may be aware, following Sir Bob Kerslake review of Governance in Birmingham, several recommendations have been made regarding the structure and delivery of services by Birmingham City Council.

This will off course include boundary changes and the possibility of single Councillor Wards and local elections every 4 years, instead of the current every 3 out of 4 years.

You would have thought that our City Council Leadership, would have given our Local Representatives, being our Councillors the opportunity to have free hand at debating these all important recommendations, after all it is a democracy.

Unfortunately, this has not happened.

Therefore, NewinBrum has arranged a Kerslake People's Debate this Wednesday 18th February 2015 at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber of Birmingham Council House Victoria Square Birmingham.